After the construction of four Giussano-class cruisers, the Italian Navy ordered two more with an improved design. Under the 1930–1931 program, two Condottieri C-class cruisers were built with significantly improved armor while maintaining their speed. Raimondo Montecuccoli, which entered service in 1935, participated in the Spanish Civil War, as well as in raids to the Far East and the Pacific Ocean. During World War II, she served in the Battle of Punta Stilo, conducted minelaying and escort operations, and fought in the Battle of Pantelleria.